Benjamin Barber is one of America's preeminent political
theorists. He has been a significant voice in the continuing debate
about the nature and role of democracy in the contemporary world.
"A Passion for Democracy" collects twenty of his most important
writings on American democracy. Together they refine his
distinctive position in democratic theory. Barber's conception of
"strong democracy" contrasts with traditional concepts of "liberal
democracy," especially in its emphasis on citizen participation in
central issues of public debate. These essays critique the "thin
representation" of liberal democracy and buttress the arguments
presented in Barber's twelve books, most recently in his
well-received "Jihad vs. McWorld: How Globalism and Tribalism Are
Re-shaping the World." In these pieces, Barber argues for
participatory democracy without dependence on abstract metaphysical
foundations, and he stresses the relationship among democracy and
civil society, civic education, and culture.
"A Passion for Democracy" is divided into four sections. In the
first, "American Theory: Democracy, Liberalism, and Rights," Barber
addresses issues of ongoing relevance to today's debates about the
roots of participatory democracy, including individualism vs.
community, the importance of consent, and the irrelevance of
Marxism. Essays in the second section, "American Practice:
Leadership, Citizenship, and Censorship" provide a "strong
democracy" critique of American democratic practice. "Education for
Democracy: Civic Education, Service, and Citizenship" applies
Barber's theories to three related topics and includes his
much-discussed essay "America Skips School." The final section,
"Democracy and Technology: Endless Frontier or End of Democracy?"
provides glimpses into a future that technology alone cannot secure
for democracy.
In his preface, Barber writes: "In these essays ... I have been
hard on my country. Like most ardent democrats, I want more for it
than it has achieved, despite the fact that it has achieved more
than most people have dared to want." This wide-ranging collection
displays not only his passion for democracy, but also his unique
perspective on issues of abiding importance for the democratic
process.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!